Does size matter?

[dannybmw]

I have got some lovely 19" Brayton magic wheels on order for my little 320i coupe . but now i am not sure if i need to roll the rear arches or not because i keep getting told different information from different people. does anyone have/know of any e36 coupes that have 19" . any help will be repaid with a pint next v/w meet . thanks daniel

[m-five]

There are only two ways to know for sure:

1) Get them, fit the tyres, fit the wheels and see if they fit!

2) Find someone else with EXACTLY the same wheels (width, offset, etc), tyres (profile, width, make) and car and see if they fit.

I can tell you now that the ride will be very hard though and unless you are putting wider tyres on as well the grip will not improve either. You will also probably loose some acceleration!

[raceboy]

I know 19's will fit on an E36, I saw an M3 on 19's at the BMW exhibitoin at Donington a few years ago, and wasn't there an Australian E36 with bling bling chrome 20's fitted think you'll be lucky if the go straight on without any arch rolling though,

[sohlman]

I think getting big wheels to fit an e36 is not the problem with a bit or arch rolling. The bigger issue maybe that the entire suspension set up will be need to be changed otherwise the car will suffer from poor handling, heavey steering and train tracking in pot holes and groves. Another problem might be that the car's speedy may no longer be acurate and the mileometer will be turning either faster or slower, not sure which. I would suggest speaking with as specialist to understand the full implications of going this big. Give Birds a call who are the oficial importer of hartge who make wheels up to 22" on 01895 810850

[dannybmw]

cheers guys. they are on order so its too late now . im gona get the arches rolled just too be safe . birds do it for about £100 per arch so il have too book it in. 22" would be nice but my 19" are £2200 so i wouldnt like to think how much they would cost. stellas all round for you at next v,w meet.

[raceboy]

The 22's are for the X5, think they would be a push under e36 arches

[hughjayteens]

I fitted 18" Breytons on my old 318is and had to get the rear arches rolled ever so slightly.

Handled like sh*te afterwards though so be careful!

[dannybmw]

Im not to worried how it handles after iv put them on il have a fiddle with the suspension if its really bad. As long as it looks the il be more than happy. Dan